The Uses of Systane

Systane eyedrops are used to lubricate contact lens or moisten dry eyes.

Systane is a lubricant eyedrop, contact lens lubricant and eyelid ointment. Systane may be used for the burning irritation of dry eyes. Wind, sun, heat, air conditioning, prolonged computer use, prolonged reading or medication cause dry eyes. Systane eye lubricants increase moisture to the eye to prevent injury or infection of the eye. Systane relieves the burning and itching sensations caused by dry eyes.

Normal Dry Eyes

Wind, dry heat, prolonged reading, driving or staring at a computer screen can cause dry eyes, which is relieved by blinking. Diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, birth control pills, antidepressants, pain relievers and acne drugs can also cause dry eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. Postmenopausal women and all adults over 50 years old produce fewer tears. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, schleroderma, thyroid disorder and vitamin A deficiency reduce tear production. Radiation or laser eye surgery decreases tear production. Tears, a solution of water, fatty oils, proteins and electrolytes, keep your cornea smooth, clear and free from infection. Meibomian glands produce lipid oil on the edge of the eyelid. Blocked meibomian glands result in swollen eyelids. Lacrimal, or tear glands, produce watery fluid, which flushes debris from the eyes. Without water, oil and mucus bond, producing a string.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction refers to chronic swollen eyelids, a severe dry eye syndrome most commonly treated by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Damaged meibomian glands progressively dry the cornea and can eventually scar the cornea. Typically, treatment involves cleaning the eyelid, application of heat, massage and systane artificial tears. Topical steroid, azasite and doxycyline antibiotic tablets improve damaged meibomian glands. Increased intake of Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of the eyelids.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder, which causes itching, redness, dandruff or cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis is patchy scales over red greasy skin, between your eyebrows, on your nose, behind your ears, on your chest, or in your groin or armpits. Symptoms improve and then worsen. Systane relieves symptoms. You need to see a doctor if you lose sleep over the condition or it affects your ability to function. A malassezia fungus thrives in oily skin along with bacteria. Anti-fungal ointments and medications containing ketoconazole heal the dermatitis outbreak. Neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and HIV and AIDS, cause seborrheic dermatitis.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles along the edge of the eyelid. Normal bacteria may grow over the eyelash follicles due to a bacterial infection or seborrheic dermatitis. Allergies or lice may cause inflammation along the eyelid, due to normal bacteria overgrowing the eyelash follicles. In Blepharitis patients, hyperactive glands near the eyelids produce too much oil, increased styes or chalazia. The red, irritated and swollen eyelids develop scales or dry skin at the eyelash follicle. Removing oil from the skin of the eyelids with systane and applying antibiotic ointment should reduce redness and swelling. Complications of blepharitis are styes, chalation, corneal irritation or ulcer, loss of eyelashes or scarred eyelids.

Chalazion

Chalazion is blocked oil glands on the eyelid, behind the eyelashes. The blocked gland becomes infected. The eyelid turns red, and the eyes swell shut. Chalazion occurs inside the eyelid leaving the eye lid a red or pink color.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Causes of Dry Eyes
• Systane: Balance Lubricant Eye Drops
• Systane: Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment
• Topical Opthamology: Topical Cyclosporine Use in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
• New York City Eye Surgeon: Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
• Systane: Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops Preservative-Free Formula

Resources

• National Institutes of Health: Blepharitis Eyelid inflammation
• All About Vision: Blepharitis
• MayoClinic.com: Blepharitis
• National Institutes of Health: Seborrheic Dermatitis
• MayoClinic.com: Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Systane: Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops
• Kaiser Permanente: Propylene Glycol 0.6 % Eye Drops